Arrangement for producing filter cigarettes

ABSTRACT

Arrangement and process for producing filter cigarettes. The arrangement includes a rod formation device structured and arranged to form a tobacco rod, a filter tipping device structured and arranged to apply filter plugs to at least a portion of the tobacco rod, and an assembly device structured and arranged to assemble multi-segment filter plugs from at least three filter segments. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2004/011369 filed Oct. 12, 2004, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application No. DE 103 54135.7, filed on Nov. 19, 2003. Moreover, the disclosure of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/EP2004/011369 is expressly incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an arrangement for producing filter cigarettes.In this manner, a rod formation device for forming a tobacco rod and afilter tipping device for applying filter plugs to cut tobacco rods cutfrom the tobacco rod are provided.

2. Discussion of Background Information

To produce filter cigarettes, cut tobacco is prepared in a distributorand processed to form at least one tobacco rod and transferred to a rodunit, by which the at least one tobacco rod is wrapped with paper andcut into double-length cut tobacco rods. Subsequently, the double-lengthcut tobacco rods are transferred from the rod unit to a filter tipperand cut into cut tobacco rods of single length. In this way,double-length filter rods are applied to the cut tobacco rods, wrappedby a tipping paper and cut into filter cigarettes of single unit length.

Endless rod makers by the assignee of the instant application are knownunder the name “PROTOS.” The instant assignee's filter tipping machineshave the label “MAX.”

Moreover, it is known that filter rods of multiple unit length, whichare cut into double-length filter plugs, are sent by a filter rod senderto a receiving station in the filter tipping machine so that filter rodscan be removed from a filter rod magazine and cut into filter plugs.

Moreover, it is desirable in the tobacco-processing industry to producemulti-segment filters that are composed of different segments or filterpieces, e.g., of different materials. These materials are, e.g.,cellulose acetate, paper, web, granulate, sifted elements, hollowcylinders or hollow chambers and capsules and the like. Suchmulti-segment filters, which also cover the term “multiple filter”within the scope of this invention, after the formation of groups offilter segments, e.g., in a continuous process are wrapped with wrappingmaterial, such as, e.g., paper, and then divided into filter rods oftwo-fold, four-fold or six-fold length to be further processed.

A rod formation device for filter rods is known from DE-OS 24 52 749 inwhich in a group formation device operating transversely groups offilter segments or groups of filter rods are formed and then transferredto the rod formation device such that the groups of filter rods arewrapped with wrapping material in a longitudinally axial manner. Thegroup formation device is here a device that is to be completelyreplaced in the event of a change of the filter segments or of thesequence of the filter segments.

The machine KDF-2E of the instant assignee is a filter rod formationdevice, and the instant assignee's machine GC E is a typical groupformation device. Both devices are known in the trade and are marketedtogether as machines of the MULFI type.

Moreover, a device for wrapping groups of filter segments with awrapping material to produce multi-segment filters of thetobacco-processing industry and a multi-segment filter production deviceare known from International Publication No. WO 03/037113.

German Patent Application No. DE-T-695 28 549 (and U.S. patent familymember U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,851) discloses a separating device for theproduction of filters for cigarettes in which a filter plug feed devicehas two magazines from which multiple-length filter rods are removed andcut so that after multiple cutting, staggering and pushing processes atthe same time on the same conveyor drum double-length dual filters areformed out of the cut filter rods. These dual filters are subsequentlyinserted between pairs of cut tobacco rods spaced apart in alongitudinally axial manner.

A method and a device for producing filter cigarettes with dual filtersare known from European Patent Application No. EP-A-1 016 350. Filtercomponents of different unit length are hereby inserted one after theother between the cut tobacco rods. To this end the filter rods arerespectively removed from two magazines and cut into filter components,whereby the conveyor paths of the filter components from the twomagazines are embodied separately from one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention simplifies the production of filter cigarettes,such that it is possible to produce and process filter cigarettes withmulti-segment filters.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an arrangement for producingfilter cigarettes that includes a rod formation device for forming atobacco rod, a filter tipping machine for applying filter plugs to cuttobacco rods cut from the tobacco rod, and a device for assemblingmulti-segment filter plugs from at least three filter segment pieces.

Within the scope of the invention, a multi-segment filter means inparticular a filter of at least three different filter segment pieces.The filter segment pieces comprise different materials or are producedin a different way. To form a multi-segment filter, the filter segmentpieces are conveyed to a production flow for the multi-segment filter.

The invention utilizes the concept of coupling a filter segment groupassembly device, as is known, e.g., from International Publication No.WO 03/037113, directly to a filter tipping machine. By the presentinvention, filter segment pieces are assembled to form a multi-segmentfilter plug, in particular of double unit length, so that the filterplug with or without wrapping is applied to a cut tobacco rod. A higherprocessing speed in the filter tipping machine is thus achieved.

In the filter tipping machine only those multi-segment filter plugs areprocessed which are formed in the device according to the invention andprovided to the filter tipping machine for further processing. Longertransport paths for the filter plugs to be processed are thus alsodispensed with. Overall a gentle filter processing is rendered possible,since it is no longer necessary to form a mass flow of finished filterrods. Moreover, the instant assignee's filter rod manufacturing machineknown under the label “KDF” can be replaced by the device according tothe invention for assembling multi-segment filter plugs. Improvedlogistics result because the corresponding components of a filtercigarette, cut tobacco rods and filter plugs, are produced at the sametime and next to one another in a joint arrangement.

According to the invention it is provided that a mass flow withdouble-length cut tobacco rods and a mass flow with assembled,preferably double-length, multi-segment filter plugs are conveyed to thefilter tipping machine and processed at this machine. It is notnecessary to wrap the assembled multi-segment filter plugs with a web,such that not wrapped multi-segment filter plugs, comprising severalfilter segment pieces, can also applied to the cut tobacco rods. Notuntil a further step are the multi-segment filter plugs and the cuttobacco rods wrapped with a connecting sheet or a tipping paper web and,after a severing cut through the double-length filter plug, cut intofilter cigarettes.

In contrast to the prior art according to German Patent Application No.DE-T-695 28 549 or European Patent Application No. EP-A-1 016 359, thedevice according to the invention makes it possible to producemulti-segment filter plugs with more than two filter segment pieces. Thefilter segment pieces are hereby fed individually to a production flowfor the multi-segment filter plug. A production flow of a multi-segmentfilter plug is understood to be the mass flow along which themanufacture of a multi-segment filter plug is produced by the additionof further individual filter segment pieces. At the end of theproduction flow, a complete, in particular double-length, preferablysymmetrically constructed multi-segment filter plug is formed, which isjoined to cut tobacco rods and finished to form individual filtercigarettes in following processing steps.

According to the invention, the manufacturing of a multi-segment filteris performed in a spatially separated manner from other processing at afilter tipping device. In this way, the device for assembling amulti-segment filter and the filter tipping device can be arranged in amodular and variable manner whereby the devices are easily accessiblefor the operators.

Moreover, according to a further development it is provided that thedevice for assembling multi-segment filter plugs has at least onetipping device for the multi-segment filter plugs so that themulti-segment filter plugs are fed to the filter tipping machine aswrapped filter plugs.

In a preferred embodiment, the device for assembling multi-segmentfilter plugs has at least one test element and/or one processing elementfor the multi-segment filter plugs. For example, individual filtersegment pieces are processed or perforated by a laser, so that theperforation of the filter piece is tested at a test device. Furthermore,it helps increase quality or quality control, if another processingdevice is provided following the test device so that, e.g., aninadequately perforated filter segment piece is processed again.

It is particularly advantageous if the device for assemblingmulti-segment filter plugs can be divided into independent functionalunits. A high degree of variability in multi-segment filter productionis given if the assembly device can be subdivided into a plurality ofindependent functional units. In order to produce differentmulti-segment filters, a rapid and cost-effective adjustment is possiblein which, if applicable, the independent functional units need only berearranged and adapted or only a few modules or functional units have tobe added. Within the framework of this invention, the term “functionalunit” also includes the term “module.”

A particularly space-saving device can be realized if one functionalunit is provided for respectively one filter segment piece.

A filter segment group assembly device with individual functional unitsfor filter segment pieces is known from International Publication No. WO03/037113, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

A special embodiment of the arrangement is given if the rod formationdevice, the filter tipping device and the device for assemblingmulti-segment filter plugs are arranged in a T-shaped manner.

In an alternative embodiment, the rod formation device, the filtertipping device and the device for assembling multi-segment filter plugsare arranged in an L-shaped manner.

In both of the above-noted embodiments, i.e., T-shaped and L-shapedarrangements, a compact construction is achieved, whereby eachindependent unit of the arrangement is very easily accessible. Dependingon the spatial or space conditions and production requirement, it ispossible to choose between the L-shaped or T-shaped arrangement. A highdegree of variability of the arrangement is thus achieved. The choice ofthe arrangement according to the invention of the different modules orindependent units itself has no impact on the quality of the filtercigarettes produced.

In particular, at least one tipping device is provided for themulti-segment filter plug/cut tobacco rod groups so that the appliedfilter plugs are joined to the cut tobacco rods.

In a preferred further development, at least one test element and/or oneprocessing element is provided for multi-segment filter plug/cut tobaccorod groups so that permanently filter cigarettes with a high constantquality are produced when the filter plugs are processed and the filtercigarettes are tested.

Preferably, the device for assembling multi-segment filter plugs isintegrated into the filter tipping device.

The present invention is directed to an arrangement for producing filtercigarettes. The arrangement includes a rod formation device structuredand arranged to form a tobacco rod, a filter tipping device structuredand arranged to apply filter plugs to at least a portion of the tobaccorod, and an assembly device structured and arranged to assemblemulti-segment filter plugs from at least three filter segments.

According to a feature of the invention, the filter plugs can be appliedto cut tobacco rods cut from the tobacco rod.

The arrangement can also include a cutting device structured andarranged to divide the tobacco rod into cut tobacco rods, so that thefilter plugs can be applied to the cut tobacco rods.

In accordance with the present invention, the assembly device mayinclude at least one tipping device for multi-segment filter plugs.

Further, the assembly device can include at least one of at least onetest unit and a processing unit for multi-segment filter plugs.

According to the instant invention, the assembly device may include aplurality of independent functional units. Moreover, each of theplurality of functional units can respectively provide one filtersegment piece.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the rodformation device, the filter tipping device and the assembly device canbe arranged in a T-shaped manner. Alternatively, the rod formationdevice, the filter tipping device and the assembly device may bearranged in an L-shaped manner.

According to a further feature of the invention, at least one tippingdevice can be structured and arranged to wrap multi-segment filterplug/cut tobacco rod groups.

In accordance with a still further feature of the invention, thearrangement may also include at least one of at least one test unit anda processing unit for multi-segment filter plug/cut tobacco rod groups.

Still further, the assembly device can be arranged in the filter tippingdevice.

The present invention is directed to a process for producing filtercigarettes. The process can include forming a tobacco rod, forming amulti-segment filter plug, and applying the multi-segment filter plug toat least a portion of the tobacco rod.

According to a feature of the invention, the multi-segment filter plugmay include at least three filter segment pieces.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the process can alsoinclude cutting the tobacco rod and separating adjacent ends of the cuttobacco rods. Moreover, the applying the multi-segment filter plug caninclude inserting the multi-segment filter plug between the separatedends of the cut tobacco rods. Further, the multi-segment filter plug maynot be wrapped when it is inserted between the separated ends of the cuttobacco rods. Alternatively, the process may further include wrappingthe multi-segment filter plug before it is inserted between theseparated ends of the cut tobacco rods. Further still, the process mayalso include processing the wrapped multi-segment filter plug with alaser.

According to another feature of the invention, the process may alsoinclude supplying each filter segment piece of the multi-segment filterplug from a respective functional unit of a multi-segment filter plugassembly device.

In accordance with still yet another feature of the present invention,the process may include wrapping a cut tobacco rod/multi-segment filterplug/cut tobacco rod group, and dividing the cut tobaccorod/multi-segment filter plug/cut tobacco rod group.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention maybe ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanyingdrawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention,in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an arrangement according to theinvention for producing filter cigarettes;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional side view of the arrangement of theinvention depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates sectional side view of an alternative arrangement ofthe invention depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an other embodiment of the invention for producingfilter cigarettes; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional side view of the arrangement of theinvention depicted in FIG. 4.

In the drawings the same or same types of elements and/or parts areprovided with the same reference numbers so that a repeated introductionof them is omitted accordingly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention onlyand are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be themost useful and readily understood description of the principles andconceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attemptis made to show structural details of the present invention in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of thepresent invention, the description taken with the drawings makingapparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of thepresent invention may be embodied in practice.

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement according to the invention for producingfilter cigarettes in a schematic representation. The arrangement shownin FIG. 1 is embodied in a T-shaped manner, whereby at least one tobaccorod is produced by a rod unit 300 and cut into cut tobacco rods that aretransferred to a filter tipping unit 200. Rod unit 300 can also beoperated in a double-rod process so that two tobacco rods are produced.A distributor unit VE is connected ahead of rod unit 300 to prepare andprocess the cut tobacco to form at least one tobacco rod, e.g., one ortwo rods, to be transferred to rod unit 300. Rod unit 300 wraps thetobacco rods with paper and cuts them into double-length cut tobaccorods.

Moreover, a filter segment assembly device 100 is arranged in astraight-line continuation of filter tipping unit 200, e.g., ascontinuation as it were of the T-bar (cross) of the T-shapedarrangement. Filter segment assembly device 100 assembles multi-segmentfilter plugs from filter segment pieces. The assembled filter plugspreferably have a double unit length or a multiple of the double unitlength.

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic side view of a drum arrangement of a filtersegment assembly device 100 and a filter tipping unit 200, as they arearranged in FIG. 1. Filter segment assembly device 100 and filtertipping device 200 are arranged in a straight line or plane. Thedouble-length cut tobacco rods processed by rod unit 300 (FIG. 1) arereceived by a receiver drum 201 and transported further to a cuttingknife 202 to divide the double-length cut tobacco rods into cut tobaccorods of single length. Subsequently the cut tobacco rods of singlelength are spread apart in a longitudinally axial manner on a pusherdrum 203.

At the same time as the transfer of the cut tobacco rods, filtersegments from independent functional units 110.1 to 110.4 are assembledto form multi-segment filter plugs of several filter segments on filtersegment assembly device 100.

For further details of functional units 110.1 to 110.4, reference ismade to the disclosure of incorporated document InternationalPublication No. WO 03/037113, in which a multi-segment filtermanufacturing device with several functional units is described indetail.

After the assembly of the individual filter segments, the assembledmulti-segment filter plugs of double length are transferred from atransfer drum 111.1 of the last functional unit 110.1 in the conveyordirection of the filter segments to a wobble drum 150 on which theassembled multi-segment filter plugs are pushed together. Subsequentlythe double-length multi-segment filter plugs are conveyed via furtherconveyor drums to a loading drum 160 that transfers the multi-segmentfilter plugs to an assembly drum 210. After the transfer of themulti-segment filter plugs to assembly drum 210, the single-length cuttobacco rods spaced apart in a longitudinally axial manner aretransferred from pusher drum 203 to assembly drum 210 so that cuttobacco rod/filter plug/cut tobacco rod groups are arranged on assemblydrum 210 and subsequently transferred to a conveyor drum 211 that ispreferably embodied as a pusher drum.

Subsequently the assembled cut tobacco rod/filter plug/cut tobacco rodgroups are transported to a tipping device 220 with two tippingapparatuses 221 and 222, so that the groups of smokers' products areprovided with a tipping paper web. A tipping device of this type isdescribed in detail in the instant assignee's European PatentApplication No. 03 008 450.3, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

After the joining of the cut tobacco rod/filter plug/cut tobacco rodgroups, the double-length joined groups are cut on a cutting drum 240 bya cutting knife 241 into filter cigarettes of single unit length.

The single-unit length filter cigarettes formed are subsequentlytransported via further conveyor units to a packing machine of thetobacco-processing industry.

According to the embodiment or arrangement shown in FIG. 2, double-unitlength multi-segment filter plugs that are not joined, i.e., notprovided with a connecting sheet, are conveyed to loading drum 160.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the assembled multi-segment filterplugs are provided with a connecting sheet by a tipping device 120,which has two tipping apparatuses 121 and 122. A tipping device of thistype is described in detail in the above-noted European PatentApplication No. 03 008 450.3.

After the wrapping of the multi-segment filter plugs, the filter plugscan be additionally processed by a laser unit 130 on their transportpath to loading drum 160. Laser unit 130 is indicated by broken lines,since the processing of the wrapped filter plugs can be carried outoptionally.

Furthermore, a test unit can be provided for the filter plugs on thetransport path of the filter plugs to loading drum 160. A furtherprocessing station can be optionally provided after the test unit forreworking so that high-quality multi-segment filter plugs aretransferred from loading drum 160 to assembly drum 210.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another arrangement according to the invention forproducing filter cigarettes, whereby the arrangement is embodied in theshape of an L. The cut tobacco rods are hereby transferred to a transfermodule 200.1 of a filter tipping device. The manufacture of the filtercigarettes takes place in a manufacturing module 200.2, in which cuttobacco rod/multi-segment filter plug/cut tobacco rod groups are joinedwith tipping paper webs by tipping device 220. A filter segment assemblydevice 100 for producing multi-segment filter plugs is arranged betweentransfer module 200.1 and manufacturing module 200.2.

After the double-length cut tobacco rods have been received on receiverdrum 201, the cut tobacco rods are cut by cutting knife 202 and, in afollowing step, spaced apart in a longitudinally axial manner before thecut tobacco rods spaced apart in a longitudinally axial manner reach thefilter segment assembly device 100 and are conveyed by the conveyordrums of functional units 110.1 to 110.4 to manufacturing module 200.2.

At each functional unit 110.1 to 110.4, filter pieces are insertedbetween the cut tobacco rods, which are spaced apart in a longitudinallyaxial manner, and transported further to the next functional unit. Thelast filter segment piece is inserted at functional unit 110.1, so thatmulti-segment filter plugs in double unit length are present on thetransfer drum 111.1 between the cut tobacco rods spaced apart in alongitudinally axial manner.

Subsequently the cut tobacco rod/filter plug/cut tobacco rod groups arepushed together in a longitudinally axial manner on wobble drum 150 andfed to tipping device 220 so that the cut tobacco rod/filter plug/cuttobacco rod groups are joined and wrapped with a tipping paper web.Subsequently, the joined cut tobacco rod/filter plug/cut tobacco rodgroups are cut on cutting drum 240 by cutting knife 241 into filtercigarettes of single unit length.

Moreover, further optional processing can be performed, e.g., by a laserunit, and/or tests of the cigarette properties can be performed a testunit.

By the arrangement according to the invention, a direct coupling betweena multi-segment assembly device and a filter tipping device can beachieved, such that multi-segment filter plugs are assembled in thefilter segment assembly device.

After the assembly of the multi-segment filter plugs, the filter plugsare transferred to the filter tipping unit which simultaneously receivescut tobacco rods from a rod machine, cuts them and spreads them apart ina longitudinally axial manner.

Optionally, the multi-segment filter plugs can be rolled with a wrappingpaper before the assembly with the cut tobacco rods.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that thewords which have been used herein are words of description andillustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made,within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and asamended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention in its aspects. Although the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends toall functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as arewithin the scope of the appended claims. List of Reference Numbers 100Filter segment assembly device 110.1-110.4 Functional unit 111.1Transfer drum 120 Tipping device 121 Tipping apparatus 122 Tippingapparatus 130 Laser unit 150 Wobble drum 160 Loading drum 200 Filtertipping device 200.1 Transfer module 200.2 Manufacturing module 201Receiver drum 202 Cutting knife 203 Pusher drum 210 Assembly drum 211Conveyor drum 220 Tipping device 221 Tipping apparatus 222 Tippingapparatus 240 Cutting drum 241 Cutting knife 300 Rod unit VE Distributorunit

1. An arrangement for producing filter cigarettes, comprising: a rodformation device structured and arranged to form a tobacco rod; a filtertipping device structured and arranged to apply filter plugs to at leasta portion of the tobacco rod; and an assembly device structured andarranged to assemble multi-segment filter plugs from at least threefilter segments.
 2. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, whereinthe filter plugs are applied to cut tobacco rods cut from the tobaccorod.
 3. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising acutting device structured and arranged to divide the tobacco rod intocut tobacco rods, wherein the filter plugs are applied to the cuttobacco rods.
 4. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein theassembly device comprises at least one tipping device for multi-segmentfilter plugs.
 5. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein theassembly device comprises at least one of at least one test unit and aprocessing unit for multi-segment filter plugs.
 6. The arrangement inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the assembly device comprises aplurality of independent functional units.
 7. The arrangement inaccordance with claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of functionalunits respectively provides one filter segment piece.
 8. The arrangementin accordance with claim 1, wherein the rod formation device, the filtertipping device and the assembly device are arranged in a T-shapedmanner.
 9. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rodformation device, the filter tipping device and the assembly device arearranged in an L-shaped manner.
 10. The arrangement in accordance withclaim 2, further comprising at least one tipping device structured andarranged to wrap multi-segment filter plug/cut tobacco rod groups. 11.The arrangement in accordance with claim 2, further comprising at leastone of at least one test unit and a processing unit for multi-segmentfilter plug/cut tobacco rod groups.
 12. The arrangement in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the assembly device is arranged in the filtertipping device.
 13. A process for producing filter cigarettes, theprocess comprising: forming a tobacco rod; forming a multi-segmentfilter plug; applying the multi-segment filter plug to at least aportion of the tobacco rod.
 14. The process in accordance with claim 13,wherein the multi-segment filter plug comprises at least three filtersegment pieces.
 15. The process in accordance with claim 13, furthercomprising: cutting the tobacco rod; separating adjacent ends of the cuttobacco rods, wherein the applying the multi-segment filter plugcomprises inserting the multi-segment filter plug between the separatedends of the cut tobacco rods.
 16. The process in accordance with claim15, wherein the multi-segment filter plug is not wrapped when it isinserted between the separated ends of the cut tobacco rods.
 17. Theprocess in accordance with claim 15, further comprising wrapping themulti-segment filter plug before it is inserted between the separatedends of the cut tobacco rods.
 18. The process in accordance with claim17, further comprising processing the wrapped multi-segment filter plugwith a laser.
 19. The process in accordance with claim 13, furthercomprising: supplying each filter segment piece of the multi-segmentfilter plug from a respective functional unit of a multi-segment filterplug assembly device.
 20. The process in accordance with claim 13,further comprising: wrapping a cut tobacco rod/multi-segment filterplug/cut tobacco rod group; and dividing the cut tobaccorod/multi-segment filter plug/cut tobacco rod group.